Aquarium Diseases

Disease is something that is a normal part of keeping any type
of pet, and this is even true with aquarium fish. Various environmental
and genetic factors can influence the health of your aquarium
fish. Thus it is wise to learn about the proper living conditions
of the types of fish you are keeping and what you can do to promote
healthy living conditions in your aquarium. Since, in the end,
the best treatment for any aquarium disease is to prevent it from
occurring at all.

To promote the best health in your aquarium fish it is essential
that water conditions are optimal for the specific species you
are keeping. Make sure that water hardness, pH levels and temperature
are all in the same range that the fish would be used to if living
in their natural habitat. You can buy pH buffers, and other additives
to adjust your water to the proper levels for your fish. You should
also use a chlorine remover to treat your tap water when setting
up a tank and after every water change.

Regular Preventative Maintenance

Regular aquarium maintenance is essential
to keeping your fish healthy. Dirty water increases the stress
levels of aquarium fish and reduces their ability to fight off
parasites and bacteria. Doing weekly partial water changes will
help keep the water clean and promote better health of all aquarium
fish.

Even with the best water conditions and regular maintenance, it
is not always possible to keep your fish from getting sick. Here
are some of the most common diseases with their symptoms and recommendations
for treating them:

Bacterial Infections:

Fin Rot – This infection
causes the fins of the fish to become very frayed and damaged.
If untreated, the fish can be extremely damaged and it can
be fatal. This infection can be treated with Maracyn-Two,
Furan-2
or E.M.
Erythromycin.

Mouth and Body Fungus –
The infected fish will develop white growths on its mouth
or body and fins. This infection can be treated with Furan-2
or E.M.
Erythromycin.

Hemorrhagic Septicemia –
The infected fish will develop red blood like streaks on its
body and fins. This infection can be treated with Furan-2
or E.M.
Erythromycin.

Hole-in-the-Head -
The infected fish will develop hole like ulcers in the head
region, which will appear as holes in its head. This infection
can be treated with Furan-2.

External Parasites:

Costiasis – The infected
fish will have a slimy blue to white color on its scales and
gills. The fish will scratch against objects in the tank as
if trying to rub it off. This infection can be treated with
General
Cure or Copper
Safe.

Gill and Skin Flukes –
The infected fish will have visible inflamed gills and patches
on its scales. The fish will scratch against objects in the
tank as if trying to rub it off. This infection can be treated
using General
Cure or Copper
Safe..

Fish Louse – The infected
fish will display nervous swimming and jumpiness together
with frequent scratching against objects in the tank. This
infection can be treated using General
Cure.

White Spot – This infection
is more commonly know as Ick. The infected fish will develop
white spots on its body and will scratch against objects in
the tank as if trying to rub it off. White Spot or Ich can
be treated and cured using Copper
Safe.